Oceanside Marina Suites

The setting feels like a little island, with the pool, lovely green walkways, beautiful grounds and so much sea life and birdlife to see. You can watch boats head out to sea from the mouth of the channel, surrounded by water at the end of the peninsula north of the O"side pier. The views are fabulous, and I’ve been coming back for years. The rooms are comfortable and have full kitchens, and the staff are amazing. They’re clean, though very dated, and the kitchen supplies are sparse. I had to ask for extra pots, pans and utensils. The pool is really nice too. I took off a star for the age of the rooms, but none of that will stop me returning. Just don’t expect a five-star place.

Monica, the manager, was rude and unprofessional throughout the interaction. My elderly mother can’t book a room herself, so I booked and paid in full for her, as I regularly do without problems. Even though I was on the phone confirming, Monica wouldn’t let her check in because I wasn’t there. She wanted me to drive three hours while sick as a dog. I never raised my voice or spoke rudely, but she was pugnacious the whole time. I’ll never stay there again. My husband called back pretending to book a room, and she hung up on him too, even though he’s an absolute dear. She seems like a terrible person to work for and should be spoken to or addressed. People skills matter in hospitality.

My boyfriend was admitted to the hospital with a bowel obstruction the day before our birthday getaway, so I had to cancel. After ten hours and two CT scans, he’d been diagnosed and was in hospital with me. The desk clerk at the marina said he’d leave management a note when I called. I told him the reservation said I could reschedule, and he said he’d include that too. I was supposed to hear back. I sent several texts explaining the emergency, even a photo of my boyfriend in the hospital bed, but the marina never contacted me. I tried to rebook within the dates allowed, but there was no availability. Booking.com said its hands were tied and could only make a request on our behalf. The marina told them we should have canceled seven days ahead, as if I could have known. They couldn’t even send a message saying they were sorry about the emergency and hoped he’d be okay. I was stunned by the lack of empathy and common courtesy, especially when they hadn’t followed their own stated rescheduling policy. We booked a three-day trip through Booking.com for my birthday, and when I reschedule it, I’d rather sleep in my car than stay at the marina.

The staff were wonderful and very accommodating, and I’d come back. Still, my room felt old despite the remodeling. The cabinets wouldn’t close, the tub drains were rusty, and the bathroom door frame had stains that looked like moisture bleeding through the paint. The couch upholstery had several burns and tears, and there was very little bedding or kitchen gear. I couldn’t use the jacuzzi any night because it was never fixed.